YouthWorks
YouthWorks started in 1973 and was originally called BlueChip until the name changed in 1987. YouthWorks is one of Baltimore City’s youth employment programs under the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development. Baltimore City residents ages 14–21 are connected with paid work opportunities where they earn money while gaining workforce skills and experience. Youthworkers gain exposure to career opportunities and pathways and have access to financial education.
YouthWorks employers fit into two categories, Host Employers and Hire Employers. Host Employers are made up of nonprofits, government agencies, emerging businesses (1–5 employees), etc. Hire Employers mainly consist of medium to large businesses and organizations that hire and pay wages of youth workers 16-21.These worksites can either add youth to their company payroll or reimburse YouthWorks for wages paid to youth.
YouthWorks Mission
To collaborate with youth and employers to create a meaningful paid employment opportunity that enhances youth job skills.
YouthWorks Vision
To build a future where all Baltimore City youth have consistent access to meaningful work experiences, career pathways, and mentorship that inspire lifelong success.
YouthWorks
Special Projects
YAC
Youth Advisory Council
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a workforce readiness and leadership development program for youth that work at the YouthWorks office. Leading up to summer YAC members complete workforce readiness training, career plans, develop professional communication skills, expand their presentation skills, and more. During the summer YAC leads initiatives geared towards teaching financial wellness, career exploration, and a variety of other topics. The Youth Advisory Council also helps develop surveys and lead initiatives aimed at enhancing the program while ensuring that youth voices remain at its core.
Partnerships / Professional Development
Financial Development: CASH Campaign of Maryland (CASH MD) provided a two-week training course for YAC on financial wellness topics. Bank of America led a session on money management and financial safety.
HeartSmiles partnered with YAC on survey development. Health-based sessions, led by National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) & UChoose.
YWA
The YouthWorks Academy Program
The YouthWorks Academy Program (YWA) is a 6-week workforce-readiness program for youth between the ages of 16-19. YWA participants attend workshops geared towards workforce readiness, building communication skills, workplace etiquette, and more. Participants that complete the academy are offered the opportunity to interview and be hired by private sector businesses and organizations.
YWA Jr.
Junior YouthWorks Academy
Junior YouthWorks Academy are workforce-readiness workshops geared towards youth ages 14-15. The YouthWorks Hire team visits worksites during the summer to facilitate workshops on workforce readiness, building communication skills, workplace etiquette, and more.
Credit Recovery
District Credit Recovery
District Credit Recovery gives youth that attend a Baltimore City Public School the opportunity to be paid for attending summer school under one of BCPS designated summer credit recovery sites.
BYEEP
Baltimore Youth Employment and Empowerment Program
The Baltimore Youth Employment and Empowerment Program (BYEEP) is an initiative that provides meaningful employment opportunities, skill development, and support services to justice-involved youth (ages 14-18) in Baltimore City. BYEEP is a collaboration between the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED), the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS), the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and various community organizations. BYEEP aims to employ and empower justice-involved youth and mitigate the risk of further justice involvement through meaningful employment opportunities, skill development, and community engagement.
Year-Round YouthWorks
Year-Round YouthWorks is an initiative that grants Baltimore City sophomores, juniors & seniors the opportunity to extend their summer job to work during the school year, gain sustained exposure to areas of career interest, have increased opportunities to develop these critical skills, and earn a steady paycheck.
Program Dates: October 20 - November 21, 2025 (5 weeks) & January 26 - February 27, 2026.
Year-Round Important Dates to Apply for Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 (Worksites)
- May 1: Year-Round Interest Form Opens
- May 30: Year-Round Interest Form Closes
- April 25 (previously concluded): Year-Round Info Session
- June 20: Notification of Eligibility for Participation for the Fall Session 2025
The 4th year of YouthWorks Academy begins in spring 2026!
The YouthWorks Academy Program is a 13-week career-readiness opportunity for youth participants between the age of 16-19.
This is a paid virtual position during the spring. It is a professional development opportunity for about 100 participants, preparing them for their summer job and future career.
YouthWorks Advisory Council (YAC)
The Youth Advisory Council is a spring and summer career-readiness/work opportunity for about 10 youth that work directly at the YouthWorks office.
Leading up to the summer YAC members work on career plans, develop professional communication skills, and expand their presentation skills. During the summer they lead weekly livestream sessions on financial literacy, career exploration, and a variety of other topics.
YAC Summer Activities
Youth Advisory Council employees lead weekly livestream sessions during the summer. These sessions focus on financial literacy, career exploration, and a variety of other topics.
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Questions? Email summerjobs@baltimorecity.gov
